Treasurer Peter Costello's endorsement of nuclear power for Australia is environmentally and economically irresponsible, Australian Greens Senator climate change spokesperson Senator Christine Milne said today.  

"Mr Costello's reported support for nuclear power is the latest attempt by the Howard government to convince Australians that we must choose between two dirty sources of power for our future energy needs," Senator Milne said.

"It comes after the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) called last week for the government to conduct a feasibility study into establishing nuclear power plants in Australia.

"Far from the claims of its supporters, nuclear power is no solution to climate change. It is not a clean fuel – it leaves waste and pollution from the mining and processing of uranium, and radioactive material from nuclear fuel cells.

"Australia is currently grappling with how to store its nuclear waste, including fuel cells which are to be returned from France and the United Kingdom.  

"Expanding nuclear power will increase the risk of fissile material falling into the hands of terrorists or countries prepared to manufacture nuclear weapons.

"Nor is nuclear power economically sustainable. Plants operating overseas rely on hefty public subsidies running into the billions.

"Even if we switched to nuclear power, we would only be delaying the move to clean, renewable energy sources because uranium supplies would stretch only 30-40 years.

"Instead of backing the interests of businesses that want to exploit uranium and nuclear power, the federal government should be supporting the development of technologies to deliver greater energy efficiency and clean, renewable power."

Contact: Katrina Willis 02 6277 3063 or 0437 587 562